The UK’s workforce is working harder!
We’re working harder than ever and struggling to find enough time for leisure activities, according to a survey by Randstad.
recession
Small businesses are feeling less than optimistic
The Voice of Small Business Index shows that confidence amongst SMEs deteriorated in the 2nd quarter of 2010.
Forget about tax evasion, honesty must be the best policy
HMRC is set to increase its investigations into tax avoidance and contractors not operating via an umbrella company may wish to get advice from a specialist accountant to ensure that all their tax matters are in order.
Sluggish private sector recovery sparks fears in Scotland
The Scottish private sector recovery slowed down last month according to June’s purchasing managers index from the Bank of Scotland. This development could affect umbrella company contractors operating in Scotland.
Recovery still has a long way to go
The managing economist at the CEBR, Charles Davis, has cautioned umbrella company contractors that whilst the economy in the UK is recovering, the recovery is not yet robust.
Debate on economic outlook for contractors
Welcome news for temporary workers and freelancers comes in the form of the REC’s JobsOutlook report for June and the ONS.
Umbrella company contractors and the recruitment freeze
Contractors could benefit from continuing recruitment freezes as many firms still do not want to make permanent appointments. In fact the latest Manpower report says that nearly 90% of employers do not plan to increase recruitment in the third quarter.
It’s bums on seats at most umbrella companies
According to some reports, there are as many as 100,000 umbrella company workers who are predominately based in an office environment, and these are the very people who are set to benefit from a new group established by the REC.
Are banks really lending to small companies again?
According to recent reports in the financial media, Britain’s banks are now approving 80% of small business loan applications, which should come as good news to limited company contractors and sole traders.
IT contractors eager to head overseas for work
Despite the recession, many freelance professionals and IT contractors want to work abroad to advance their career, according to Hydrogen, the international staffing firm.
Has unemployment really peaked?
The FSB recently conducted a survey of more than 1,400 of its members and found that 63% of small businesses, including recruitment agencies and umbrella companies, do not plan to increase their workforce over the coming 3 months.
Mixed news on umbrella company workers’ prospects
Last week’s employment figures from the ONS showed that the number of people in work in the quarter ending January 2010 was 28.86 million. 54,000 people in full time work lost their jobs during that period bringing the employment rate down to its lowest since November 1996.
A change of government will not help umbrella companies
According to the findings of a new survey by XLN Telecom, SMEs including umbrella companies and recruitment agencies, do not think that Tory victory at the next general election will result in a dramatic upsurge in business.
Companies that offer business services well placed
Companies selling consumer services are seeing improved fortunes according to the latest research from the CBI.
Entrepreneurial freelancers find opportunities in recession
Small business entrepreneurs are feeling optimistic about the end of the recession as they expect profitability and revenue to increase despite the anticipated rise in tax, regulation and minimum wage.